How to Buy The Best Treadmill For Your Needs

In order to make the right decision when it comes to buying a new treadmill, you need to ask yourself some basic questions. The answers to these questions will help you determine the perfect treadmill for your specific needs.

Let’s get started with the first question…

Who is going to use the treadmill?

If only one, average weight person is going to use the treadmill then you can choose machines that have a less powerful motor, as they tend to be cheaper. If there will be multiple people using the treadmill then you need to choose a more powerful motor and a stronger frame. If the treadmill must support anyone who is tall, you should also consider the belt length. A heavier person needs a wider belt and of course a more powerful motor.

Where will you be using the treadmill?

Do you have a spacious house with a big basement or do you live in a small apartment with limited space? If you don’t have enough room you should consider a folding treadmill or one with a more compact size. If you’re in an apartment you should probably opt for a quieter machine as well so you don’t disturb your neighbors.

How intense are your training sessions?

It’s important to consider whether you will be walking on your treadmill or if you’re going to be jogging or running. It’s well established that a cheap model will not keep up with a heavy runner, so keep this in mind when making a decision. However, if you are just doing some light walking or rehabilitating from an injury, a less expensive model should be just fine for your needs.

What max speed and incline levels should you choose?

If you are a serious trainer then you need a professional treadmill. Choose a machine with a minimum 12% degree of incline and 12 mph top speed. If you have simple workout goals, go for models that have lower incline and speed levels. These are cheaper and do not affect your training outcome. You can still get a great workout without high incline and speeds.

Do you really need that fancy touch screen console or the iPod dock?

Entertainment features increase the price of the treadmill. The extra money you pay for these features can be invested in a more powerful motor or a better cushioning system. So try to prioritize if you are on a budget and opt for the features you need vs. those you want. A touch screen with internet is great, but you don’t necessarily need it.

Perhaps as important as what treadmill to choose is how much to spend. In Part 2 of our series, we focus on price…